Returning to the Championship has been relatively smooth-sailing for Bournemouth so far.
Following relegation from the Premier League last term, the Cherries are yet to lose a game on home soil in their first season back in the Championship after five years away, having won five and drawn two.
And while Preston have the second best away record so far, with five wins in their opening seven games away from Deepdale, fortunes at home have proved arduous.
Bournemouth duo Dominic Solanke and Arnaut Danjuma both have five goals to their name in what has been a strong start to the season for Jason Tindall’s side. His team sit second and well on track for a return to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Although Lilywhites striker Scott Sinclair has also found the net on five occasions, his side have been unable to gather any momentum, and find themselves in 18th place.
Bournemouth, who have the fewest number of defeats so far with one, will be looking to condemn the visitors to their ninth league loss and place bigger question marks on the future of boss Alex Neil’s future at the club.
Preston are usually patient when it comes to their managers, but if their form continues across the season, it will be a difficult watch for the fans, with the club hovering over the relegation zone.
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For the hosts, Lewis Cook and joint top-scorer Danjuma face late fitness tests ahead of the Preston game on Tuesday night. Cherries boss Jason Tindall is unsure whether the two will be involved:
“They were assessed this morning and it’s one where we’ll assess both of them again tomorrow, just to see where they are and if we feel they’re good enough to be available for tomorrow night. It’ll be a late call on both of them I’m afraid.”
The only other injury concern for the hosts is Jack Stacey. The full-back didn’t feature at the weekend and is set to spend more time on the sidelines. Tindall has yet to confirm his return date, but it isn’t as far away as “initially feared”.
Ben Pearson and Ben Davies returned for the visitors at the weekend from respective injuries but still suffered a 4-1 defeat to Watford. Manager Alex Neil is hopeful both will be in the frame again for the trip down south:
“We need to be careful with the two Ben’s as they are back after a significant period out, so we will see how they go over the next day or so but hopefully they will be available.”
No fresh injury concerns for the away side, which will please the Preston boss. Alan Browne and Joe Rafferty will also be available for selection again after serving their one-match bans against the Hornets.
Our south coast correspondent Jacob Tanswell will be at the game tonight –
follow him on Twitter @J_Tanswell